E-Sports Manager
💰 $75,000 - $130,000
🎯 Role Definition
The E-Sports Manager is the strategic and operational heart of our competitive gaming program. This role is responsible for the holistic management of our e-sports teams, from player recruitment and development to tournament logistics and budget oversight. You will be the primary driver of our e-sports vision, building a winning culture, securing impactful partnerships, and growing our brand's presence in the global e-sports arena. This position requires a unique blend of business acumen, leadership, and an authentic passion for the gaming community.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- E-Sports Coordinator
- Team Manager / Coach
- Community Manager (Gaming)
- Marketing Specialist (Gaming Industry)
Advancement To:
- Head of E-Sports
- Director of E-Sports Operations
- Director of Global Gaming Initiatives
Lateral Moves:
- Brand Manager (Gaming)
- Influencer Relations Manager
- Senior Event Manager (Gaming)
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Develop, execute, and continuously refine the organization's overarching e-sports strategy to align with business objectives and industry trends.
- Manage the end-to-end operations of professional e-sports teams, including scouting, recruitment, contract negotiation, and onboarding of players and coaching staff.
- Oversee and direct all logistical aspects of team participation in local, national, and international tournaments, including travel, accommodations, visas, and scheduling.
- Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with key industry stakeholders, including game publishers, league operators, tournament organizers, and media partners.
- Develop and manage the complete e-sports program budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility, tracking expenditures, and reporting on financial performance and ROI.
- Lead the negotiation and execution of sponsorship agreements and brand partnership activations, ensuring all contractual obligations are met and value is maximized.
- Collaborate closely with marketing, social media, and content teams to create and promote compelling narratives, events, and content that drives fan engagement and brand growth.
- Act as the primary public-facing representative and spokesperson for the e-sports division, handling media inquiries and representing the organization at industry events.
- Establish and enforce a professional code of conduct, ensuring all players and staff adhere to league rules, regulations, and organizational standards.
- Implement and manage comprehensive player development and wellness programs, focusing on in-game performance, physical health, mental well-being, and professional growth.
- Direct the strategy for the team's online presence, overseeing community management and engagement across platforms like Twitch, Discord, Twitter, and YouTube.
- Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as viewership, engagement, and competitive results to measure the success of initiatives and inform future strategy.
- Oversee the management of team facilities, including training centers (gaming houses), equipment procurement, and technology infrastructure to ensure a top-tier competitive environment.
- Mediate and resolve internal team conflicts, fostering a positive, collaborative, and highly competitive team culture.
Secondary Functions
- Stay at the forefront of the e-sports landscape by continuously monitoring industry trends, emerging games, and new competitive opportunities for strategic expansion.
- Coordinate with legal and finance departments to ensure all contracts, player agreements, and partnership deals are compliant and financially sound.
- Provide regular, detailed reports on program performance, competitive landscape analysis, and strategic milestone achievement to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
- Manage relationships with external vendors, including production companies, merchandise suppliers, and broadcasting partners, to ensure high-quality event and content execution.
- Lead the scouting process to identify and evaluate up-and-coming talent, building a robust pipeline of potential future players and staff.
- Plan and execute grassroots and community-focused e-sports initiatives, such as local tournaments or fan meet-and-greets, to build brand loyalty.
- Work with the merchandise team to develop and promote team apparel and products that resonate with the fan base.
- Manage and mentor junior e-sports staff, such as coordinators and analysts, fostering their professional development within the organization.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Budget Management & Financial Reporting
- Contract Negotiation & Management
- Project & Event Management
- Data Analysis & KPI Tracking
- Social Media & Community Management Platforms (Discord, Twitter, Twitch)
- Deep Knowledge of E-Sports Ecosystems & Tournament Structures
- Sponsorship Activation & Partner Management
- Public Relations & Media Relations
Soft Skills
- Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Exceptional Interpersonal & Communication Skills
- High-Stakes Negotiation & Persuasion
- Adaptability & Problem-Solving in Fast-Paced Environments
- Talent Scouting & Development
- Conflict Resolution & Team Building
- Authentic Passion and Deep Knowledge of Gaming & E-Sports Culture
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field.
Preferred Education:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field of study.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Business Administration
- Sports Management
- Marketing
- Communications
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of experience in e-sports, sports management, or a related industry.
Preferred: Proven experience directly managing a professional e-sports team, a major gaming league, or a large-scale brand presence in the e-sports space. Experience with P&L responsibility and managing high-performing talent is highly desirable.